Thanksgiving Mantel Decor

Happy me. My son, the college student is bringing his girl  to dinner on Sunday.  We met her last week at a family birthday party, but this will be her first chance to see our crazy family dynamics ...  Therefore I decided it might be time to take down my much loved Halloween decor and replace it with my scanty Thanksgiving/Autumn goodies.

The mantel in the dining room seemed like a good place to start.

I have always loved this antique bowl with the autumn leaves.

But it has a hairline so its not really usable.

 However with an upended iron planter for a base, it makes a perfect compote to hold my giant acorns.

 

And how funny are these two squirrels.

They are long time residents of my 'autumn' box.

Because I prefer my Thanksgiving to be a bit serious, I have had little success finding 'pilgrim' elements that I like.  That is why I was so happy to find this antique post card of a Pilgrim woman on Graphics Fairy.  I found the old broth bucket at the antique store where I work and Voila!

The stamping 'thank you pilgrim' idea came to me while I was doing the decoupaging.

 It seemed perfect in a simple way.

Because I am thankful to the pilgrims for their sacrifices and courage, and the legacy they bequethed us all.